What are the responsibilities and job description for the Propulsion Engineer position at Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc.?
iRocket (Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc.) is pioneering fully autonomous, fully reusable small launch vehicles to enable responsive, lower-cost access to space. We combine advanced propulsion, reuse, and sustainable propellant technologies to push the frontier of commercial space.
The Role:
We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer to join our propulsion team and contribute to the design, development, testing, and qualification of propulsion systems for our launch vehicles. You will work closely with integration, test, design, and manufacturing teams to bring propulsion systems from concept to flight readiness.
- Support design, development, and testing of propulsion systems (e.g. liquid rocket engines, pressure-fed or pump-fed systems, component-level systems)
- Participate in test campaigns, including planning, instrumentation, execution, and post-test analysis
- Develop and maintain test procedures, control sequences, and configuration files for propulsion testing
- Troubleshoot issues in propulsion subsystems (fluid, mechanical, thermal) during testing and integration
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, thermal, controls, electronics, systems) to ensure subsystem integration
- Perform calculations and simulations to support sizing, performance prediction, and optimization
- Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Failure Review Boards, and design reviews
- Implement continuous improvements to increase test efficiency, safety, and reliability
- Analyze test data, generate reports, and identify corrective actions
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
- 2 years of experience in propulsion, test, or fluid/thermal systems development and testing
- Familiarity with liquid or hybrid rocket engine systems, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer
- Experience with instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, control systems
- Proficiency with scripting or programming (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and technical specifications
- Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and communication skills
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Experience with cryogenic fluids, high-pressure systems, or oxidizer/fuel systems
- Experience with CAD, simulation tools (CFD, thermodynamics, structural), or propulsion modeling
- Familiarity with propulsion test stands, plumbing, valve systems, or turbomachinery
- Experience in space, launch vehicle, or high-reliability systems
- Experience in formal test planning, instrumentation, and control software
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Wellness Resources